A television reporter from Kansas City, Missouri, was discovered dead in a hotel room in Kenner, New Orleans, on February 5. The deceased, who was covering the Super Bowl for Telemundo, showed evidence of sedative drug use in his system, as testified by a police detective in court. The drug, a depressant falling under the benzodiazepine class and frequently associated with the brand Xanax, was not prescribed to the reporter. Authorities have emphasized that this sedative can lead to extreme drowsiness and even death, and is sometimes used to induce incapacitation, thereby facilitating theft.

The investigation took a dramatic turn when security footage revealed Danette Colbert entering the reporter’s hotel room early on the day of his death. Colbert, who is already under scrutiny for her previous criminal activity involving theft and fraud, is accused of stealing the victim’s cellphone and bank cards. After being observed leaving the room alone, she reportedly used the victim’s credit card at several local establishments. She now faces multiple felony charges related to theft and fraud and is held without bond due to being considered a flight risk based on her criminal history.

In court, Colbert’s attorney challenged the assumptions made by the authorities, highlighting that further evidence would be presented as the case progresses. With the final autopsy and toxicology reports still pending, there is potential for additional or upgraded charges against her. Colbert’s previous encounters with the law include a theft and fraud conviction as well as arrests in Las Vegas involving allegations of drugging men to facilitate crimes, underscoring a pattern that has drawn significant attention in this ongoing investigation.